Last October, at the opening session of a conference called “Investing in The Future: Building the Resilience of Women and Girls in the Arab Region,” Malala voiced her aspiration to become a prime minister of Pakistan. “When I saw women role models, it broadened my vision,” she said. “I saw Benazir Bhutto as a woman leader who was twice the prime minister of Pakistan. I heard about women athletes, astronauts, artists, entrepreneurs. It allowed me to recognize the potential that I had, and that I can have as a woman.”

Christina Lamb, the co-author of the award-winning book “I Am Malala,” said: “I have never met anybody that’s so eloquent, passionate and determined to make a difference. It wouldn’t surprise me if she ended up being prime minister of Pakistan or secretary-general of the U.N.”

In April 2017, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres named Malala a U.N. Messenger of Peace to promote girls’ education. That same month, Canada made her an honorary citizen.

“I am excited for my future but I can’t help thinking of millions of girls around the world who will not omplete their education. I was almost one of those girls,” Malala wrote on her blog about a week ago, on her last day of secondary school. “The Taliban took over our beautiful home in Swat Valley and declared a ban on girls’ education. I share my story not because it is unique , but because it is not. The fear I had then is still felt today by 130 million out-of-school girls around the world.”

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